Female circumcision now a crime punishable by imprisonment in Rivers State

Florence Uwaeme

The Rivers House Assembly has passed the female circumcision bill into law.

The Majority leader of the house, Martin Ameahule who led the debate on the floor of the house, said the bill which seeks to amend female circumcision law of 2001 would address the issues of female circumcision in the state.

The Chief Whip of the house, Evans Bipi in his contribution said the bill seeks to increase the fine stipulated in the previous law.

The Speakers of the house, Ikunyi Owaji Ibani in his resolution shortly after the committee of the whole said three years imprisonment awaits offenders and an option of 200 thousand fine.